Singapore ravers take back the night

Singapore's raving review - 10th April 2023

Raves are a popular form of entertainment for young people around the world. In Singapore, ravers can leave behind society’s strict habits too.

Strict pandemic rules shut down Singapore’s festivals, live music events, and nightclubs for two years. However, the city's nightlife has now returned and dance music’s extremely popular.

Raves in Singapore are held in unique locations, such as Haw Par Villa. This hell-themed amusement park transforms into house music heaven. The parties see poor migrant workers and wealthy digital nomads partying alongside each other. And cheap entrance fees, good drinks, and loud, fun music add to the popularity.

Loy’s a 23-year old soldier by day but enjoys going to raves. He said that "Now, everyone's revenge partying. The Covid policies here were just so insane."

The stereotype of Singapore is that it’s a "rich country with lots of rules," but rave culture is the opposite. Music journalist Kevin Ho believes that rave culture represents the true image of Singapore as a "crossroads of Asia."

Though raves are popular, organising them in Singapore isn’t easy. The city's zoning laws are strict and clubs are expensive. Therefore, organisers often hold raves in temporary venues like arthouse cinemas, private homes, or tower block basements.

One person who’s very familiar with these difficulties is rave organiser and DJ Dean Chew. He said Singapore’s a tough place to do creative work. However, he sees "something beautiful and powerful comes out of it". For Chen, it’s "like a flower pushing up from a crack in the concrete."